Wednesday, January 08, 2025	Contact: Shannon Luce (859) 224-2716
Cody Watkins to Serve as The Jockey Club Steward at NYRA Tracks
Through an international exchange program, Cody Watkins, a steward of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), will serve as The Jockey Club-appointed steward at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) racetracks beginning in early January 2025.   The appointment was announced by Stuart S. Janney III, chairman of The Jockey Club. “This is an exciting opportunity for Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. and abroad,” said Janney. “Racing is an international sport, and sharing ideas and information through programs such as this can only make the sport better. Cody was chosen from a deep pool of international and domestic candidates, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him join us here in the United States of America.” Watkins has been a steward in Britain for five years, including at some of its most prestigious race meets.   “NYRA is a great opportunity for me as I am experienced in stewarding high-pressured and fast-paced racing, such as the Epsom Oaks, the Epsom Derby, and Glorious Goodwood, among other big race meetings we stage here in the United Kingdom,” Watkins said. “I also follow racing in America closely, and it will be an honor to expand my skillset and bring my experience to the U.S. as The Jockey Club’s appointee among helping to officiate some of America’s finest races.” Before working for the BHA, Watkins obtained a Level 1 from the British Racing School in Work Based Racehorse Care and Riding and in Introduction to the Horseracing Industry. The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for Thoroughbreds in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and directly or through subsidiaries, it serves the information and technology needs of the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Among its many supported initiatives are America’s Best Racing (americasbestracing.net), OwnerView (ownerview.com), and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (tjctip.com). Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

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